Job 19:11
He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣חַר
He hath also kindled
H2734
וַיַּ֣חַר
He hath also kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 6
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
עָלַ֣י
H5921
עָלַ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אַפּ֑וֹ
his wrath
H639
אַפּ֑וֹ
his wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Historical Context
The concept of divine wrath (ap) permeates Old Testament theology, usually directed at covenant unfaithfulness. Job's horror stems from experiencing this wrath while innocent—a theological crisis resolved only through Christ, who bore God's wrath for the innocent (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile Job's perception of God's kindled wrath with the prologue's revelation that God defended Job (1:8)?
- When have you felt God was treating you as an enemy rather than a beloved child?
- How does Christ's cry of dereliction ('Why have you forsaken me?') validate Job's honest expression of feeling abandoned?
Analysis & Commentary
He hath also kindled his wrath against me (וַיַּחַר עָלַי אַפּוֹ, wayyachar 'alay 'appo)—The verb חָרָה (charah, 'to burn, be kindled') with אַף ('ap, 'nose/anger') creates the vivid image of nostrils flaring with rage. Job perceives God's anger as fire directed specifically at him—against me ('alay) appears twice for emphasis.
And he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies (וַיַּחְשְׁבֵנִי לוֹ כְּצָרָיו)—The verb חָשַׁב (chashav, 'to reckon, account') is the same used of God crediting Abraham's faith as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Tragically, Job feels God has reversed the accounting—reckoning him as צַר (tsar, 'adversary/enemy'). The irony is profound: Satan is God's adversary opposing Job, yet Job perceives himself as God's adversary.